One perk will soon be discontinued Disney Parks Blog has released a new version of Know Before You Go. It talks mostly about the new Disney Park Pass system. Also mentioned is planning a new trip for next year. There is one part of the post that I’m sure will have many people upset. Disney is going to discontinue complimentary MagicBands for resort guests, starting in 2021.
While Annual Passholders are not mentioned, I have a feeling that we will also lose the perk. The post did say that resort guests will still be able to purchase MagicBands at a discount.
You can read the post from Disney Parks Blog here. Below is the copy/paste of the paragraph that mentions the end of free MagicBands.
As you begin planning your upcoming visits, we’re also exploring engaging ways for guests to use their mobile tech to experience the magic – particularly now as the use of phones and apps continues to evolve. In 2021, we plan to unveil an innovative new offering as part of the My Disney Experience app that will bring features of a MagicBand to your smart devices, building on the app’s existing digital key feature. With this new offering on the horizon, we will be retiring our complimentary MagicBand distribution to Disney Resort hotel guests for new reservations with arrivals beginning Jan. 1, 2021. Disney Resort hotel guests will continue to have the option to purchase new MagicBands at a discount, and we’ll be introducing even more colors and designs featuring favorite Disney characters in the future. Guests who prefer not to purchase a discounted MagicBand will be able to use the My Disney Experience app or a Key to the World card during their visit. We will still offer MagicBands in retail locations and on shopDisney.com, and guests will be able to continue using the wearables throughout Walt Disney World Resort.